Featuring this year’s most popular themes, JLife’s guide will help you plan the perfect kids birthday bash.
The Great Outdoors
With spring upon us and the weather heating up, there’s no reason not to extend birthday celebrations outside, making the most of the added space and inspiration.
Why not construct your own child-friendly, makeshift version of Total Wipeout? The water-themed obstacle course will insert a smile on anyone’s face! A couple of weeks prior to the party, examine your garden for any slopes and features that can be incorporated into the games, such as trees or a rope swing. And on the day itself, fill an inflatable swimming pool with water and strategically lay out an array of props, including beach balls, balloons and a slide. Explain the rules to the competitors and watch them try to navigate through the slippery challenges.
For adrenaline fans wanting to be put through their paces, a bootcamp theme is the way forward. Kids can coat themselves in camouflage paint before walking the plank and building a pretend raft. The activities can double as a sleepover too; all that’s required are a few tents, sleeping bags, and ‘rations’ of cake!
Lights, Camera, Action
When stuck for ideas, the latest pop culture trends are always at hand to help – simply use your child’s current film favourite.
Disney princess themes are a timeless classic, and Frozen fever is particularly rife at the moment. Get your little one’s friends to dress up as Anna or Elsa and decorate the venue with blue and white balloons and streamers to tie in with the wintery elements.
In terms of the party food, consider making a personalised cake with blue and white icing, letting it trickle down the sides to appear icicle-like. Wash down the spread with a party drink featuring blue ice cubes, produced by sprinkling a few drops of natural food colouring into an ice cube tray.
The big screen can also be channelled for a boys-oriented bonanza. The recent production of Paddington, for example, might inspire travel adventures, duffle coats, marmalade sandwiches and love of all things British.
Stars in their Eyes
If your child has been raving about their love for One Direction throughout the year, it’s likely that their birthday will be no different. Centre the event around the chart-topping boyband, beginning with DIY invitations based on a collage of the members pictured alongside the birthday boy or girl.
When it comes to games, bring out the attendees’ competitive sides by testing them on their One Direction trivia – in which the victor receives stationery and stickers – followed by an airing of the film and accompanying snacks. For a unique touch, ask each guest beforehand to name their favourite member, enabling you to give them a bespoke goodie bag that can be taken home.
Keeping with the musical theme, children will jump at the chance to become stars for the day and record their own video. Put together a purpose-written script, get guests to don glamorous outfits, and record them miming and playing instruments to their tune of choice.
At Your Service
Rather than starting from scratch, save yourself the hassle, and elicit enthusiasm at the same time, by bringing party professionals to your doorstep.
What little girl doesn’t have a soft spot for all things beauty? A mobile company will come to your home, bringing their own equipment and goods to pamper the party guests. With calming music setting the scene and an assortment of cakes and fruit to nibble on, facials, manicures and pedicures, among other treatments, will be leisurely carried out.
Alternatively, a mobile petting zoo is sure to generate party entertainment that won’t be easy to forget. The team will go along to the venue on the day with a range of fascinating animals – from lizards and snakes to rabbits and mice – and provide an interactive close-up experience.
Herd Farm Residential & Activity Centre
Herd Farm Residential & Activity Centre guarantees outdoor birthday fun!
Situated in rural Eccup, the venue offers groups of friends – aged nine to 90 – choices of fun and active ‘fresh air’ pursuits on the stunning 16-acre site.
From archery to giant swing, bush craft/ den building to crate stack, and team building games to the mobile climbing tower, there’s a lot to choose from. The team can even bring the mobile climbing tower to you, while both hot and cold food, and self-catering are available.